Head of programmes jobs in London
Want more results?
Add job titles:
How's your job search on our site?
The Head of Programming & Creative Producing is a new senior role, working with the Chief Executive to shape and deliver the artistic output of the Philharmonia.
The postholder works hand-in-hand with the Head of Artistic Planning, and members of the Executive team to programme and artistically shape traditional concert programmes at various scales and in various contexts, as well as learning and digital projects and pre- or post-concert activities. The postholder also leads on the development and producing of new performance formats for own-promoted concerts.
A first-rate creative thinker, you will be passionate about working with conductors, artists and agents to create world-class concert programmes, residencies and series, and will be able to draw on your deep knowledge and understanding of orchestral repertoire, artists, and the wider cultural context, as well as an established network of industry relationships to turn your ideas into reality.
Your artistic interests, however, will range beyond the traditional core, and you will be driven by a personal mission to engage different and new audiences with orchestral music, whether that is through music for films or games, cross-artform and cross-genre collaborations, pre-performance debates, schools performances, VR installations, or different performance formats. You will take a producing approach to new performance formats, keenly appreciative of the importance of staging, narrative and flow for contemporary audiences.
You know the importance of equality and diversity on stage in building a future for classical music, and are an active champion of creative projects which demonstrate this. Discovering new artists and musical voices will be second nature to you, just as you will be sensitive to the needs of established artists and composers in shaping a project. While your focus is on the quality of the artistic output, you will maintain in-the-round awareness of the complex jigsaw of sometimes competing priorities and restrictions into which any project has to be delivered, including box office and audience development targets.
An important member of the HODs Team with a close relationship to the Philharmonia Orchestra Artistic Committee, this role suits a collaborative and inclusive emerging leader who acts with integrity, and who can manage complex systems and personalities in line with the Philharmonia’s mission to create the orchestral experience of the future.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
-
Research and identify future featured artists, composers and guest conductors proactively
-
Research and develop ideas and concepts for season themes and series
-
Create mainstage programmes in line with the artistic strategy of the Philharmonia Orchestra in close consultation with the Chief Executive and conductors
Leadership and Management
-
Lead on chamber music programming, including liaison with players over proposals
-
Lead on the development of wrap-around activity on concert days
-
Lead on opportunities for commissioning and co-commissioning of new works, negotiating commission fees and contracts. Liaison with publishers.
-
Lead on programming Philharmonia Residency venues, taking both box office and logistical considerations into account
-
Lead on Philharmonia Records, developing and overseeing the recordings strategy and identifying and planning recording projects for own-label release
-
Initiate and develop non-standard orchestral projects for own promotions, such as film or games music formats, formats using visuals, cross-artform or cross-genre collaborations, and performances in non-traditional venues
-
Artistically and operationally produce all non-standard orchestral projects, including shaping narrative, stage presentation, and close working with the venue technical staff, supported by relevant project managers
Key tasks
-
Develop repertoire ideas and ensure timely registration on clash-diary, with support from Co-ordinator
-
Collaborate with Director of Tours and Project Development and partners to develop programmes for foreign touring and commercial projects, while considering market and budget limitations
-
Collaborate with the Learning and Engagement Department on programming for education and learning performance formats, including Artist in Residence Programme and Orchestra Unwrapped, leading as required
-
Collaborate with the Development Department on funding approaches to support programming, and work with them on programming fundraising performances and events
-
Collaborate with Head of Digital Product and Experience on repertoire and project development for PO Virtual Orchestra
-
Join the Artistic Committee discussions re future plans as required
-
Listen to recordings to assess suitability for release, and discussing in-house recordings with Artistic Committee.
Other
-
Work as part of the HODs team on developing future business plan and strategies built around the Orchestra’s mission, vision and values
-
Be in regular contact with Marketing colleagues to help shape season narrative and proof-read key documents.
-
Act as artistic liaison with external promoters and project partners as required
-
Attend rehearsals and performances at Southbank Centre and at venues out of London and overseas as required, in order to meet artists and monitor artistic performance and quality
Skills and Qualifications
-
Excellent track record of working in artistic planning or artist management (min 5-7 years)
-
First-class knowledge of orchestral repertoire and artists, as well as the work of the Philharmonia Orchestra
-
Demonstrable creative programming experience at an advanced level
-
Demonstrable entrepreneurial mindset with a successful history of creating new projects
-
Current experience of development of UK and international markets for orchestras
-
First class communications, influencing, and negotiation skills – and the ability to make the case effectively and enthusiastically
-
A collaborative team player able to develop excellent working relationships across the organisation
-
Flexible and positive attitude, as well as the ability to think laterally and creatively to overcome obstacles
-
High level of professionalism, self-motivation and organisation, and an ability to manage complex issues effectively.
-
Ability to regularly work out of hours and travel, as required.
-
Diplomatic and capable of being an excellent ambassador for the Philharmonia Orchestra
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
VIDERE
Videre is an award-winning, UK-registered NGO that exposes human rights abuses and holds perpetrators to account. We work directly with communities in stressed environments, equipping networks of activists and community leaders with the technology and training necessary to safely capture visual documentation of political violence, human rights violations, and other systemic abuses. Our aim is to ensure that the concerns and knowledge of affected communities drive advocacy, policy, and legal action.
POSITION SUMMARY
This is a critical senior role in the organisation, reporting to the Senior Director-Programming. The role is responsible for managing the organisation’s programmes across 2 locations in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia, line managing three people. The position provides leadership on direct programming for community-led investigations and evidence gathering as well as our CSO partnership programme in two geographies. The Head of Programmes works closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) on critical areas including fundraising and strategic development.
The priority for this role is the safe and high quality performance of projects. The balance between ‘doing’ and ‘managing’ in this role varies depending on available resources for each project, and the ability to create competent teams to delegate to.
Location: UK, France, Nairobi or Thailand preferred. Remote applicants considered.
Package: Pay is dependent on location. The UK salary of £62,000 plus pension contribution will be converted using ICSC scales. All locations receive 28 days annual leave, counselling support and annual wellbeing days.
Start date: 1st September
Duration: 7 months with possibility of extension
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme Leadership and Delivery
- Working closely with the Senior Director- Programming, lead the development and implementation of programme strategy and annual plans, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and priorities.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Project Teams for both direct investigations and local CSO partnerships, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, effectively and to a high standard.
- Act as a member of the Management Team, contributing to organisational planning, decision-making, continuous improvement and cross-organisational initiatives.
- Work closely with the Senior Director – Programming and other colleagues to identify organisational risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Work closely with the Head of Development and SMT to contribute to proposal development, programme design and concept note drafting in support of organisational fundraising efforts.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with donors and programme partners throughout the project lifecycle, supporting effective communication, reporting and programme delivery.
- Ensure all aspects of programme design and delivery promote diversity, equity, inclusion and responsible partnership practices.
Civil Society Partnerships and Capacity Strengthening
- Provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s civil society partnership portfolio and approach in two geographic areas.
- Oversee staff responsible for partnership implementation to design, implement and continuously improve partnership and capacity strengthening activities, ensuring they have the guidance, resources and support required to deliver high-quality work.
- Ensure partnership activities are aligned with programme objectives, organisational strategy and donor commitments.
- Contribute to the development of organisational methodologies, learning and good practice relating to partnership working and capacity strengthening.
People Leadership
- Lead, support and develop a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team culture.
- Provide ongoing management, coaching and mentoring to direct reports, including through annual performance reviews and regular development conversations.
- Support staff wellbeing and duty of care, ensuring teams have access to appropriate support and resources.
- Work with managers and staff to identify and facilitate learning and professional development opportunities.
Financial Management
- Oversee programme budgets and spending strategies, ensuring resources are managed effectively and in line with organisational priorities.
- Monitor programme expenditure and forecasts, ensuring appropriate financial oversight and accountability.
- Ensure compliance with organisational financial procedures, procurement requirements and donor regulations.
- Support the development of programme budgets for new funding proposals and organisational planning processes.
Security, Risk and Compliance
- Contribute actively to organisational security and risk management processes.
- Ensure programme activities are delivered in accordance with organisational policies, security procedures and compliance requirements.
- Support teams to identify, assess and manage operational, programmatic and security risks.
- Maintain oversight of security considerations affecting staff, investigators, partners and programme participants.
- Promote a culture of risk awareness, responsible decision-making and proactive risk management.
- Ensure the safety and quality of operational practices, including data collection, information management, secure data storage and transfer.
Skills, Experience and Characteristics
Essential
- Professional writing and speaking in either English or French, with at least effective operational efficiency in the other language (B2 or above).
- Experience managing teams or individuals across multiple international locations
- An understanding of risk management methodologies and experience applying them
- An understanding of human rights and a strong belief in their indivisibility and interdependence
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and building relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the ability to respond to changing priorities and requirements.
- Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
Preferred
- Experience with human rights research, investigations or legal cases
- Experience with filming or documentary making
- Strong technology / IT skills and/or aptitude
- Experience with fundraising or confidence in public speaking and presenting
Application Process & Timeline
- Please submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a cover letter (maximum 400 words) describing your suitability for this position.
- Applications will close on Tuesday 7th July
- Interviews will be conducted remotely.
- We intend to complete the recruitment process by 31st July
- The successful candidate should be available to start work on Tuesday 1st September.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We acknowledge that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in the human rights sector and we are committed to doing what we can to correct this. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities that we serve. Therefore, we are particularly keen to receive applications from people who identify with minority and/or underrepresented groups (whether on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status). We also value diversity in terms of personal and professional experience; believing that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create stronger and more creative working environments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.